Designed by the award-winning Santiago Calatrava, Lyon–Saint Exupéry became a city landmark when it opened in 1994. Its fan-shaped canopy resembles the outline of a bird and swoops down into a beak-like point.

In 2016 CHP Copenahagen was lauded as having the world's best security. The striking design was conceived to allow for better traffic flow of its passengers; subsequently, it was named Europe's most efficient airport.

No airport captures its surrounding landscape more dramatically than does Denver International. Jeppesen Terminal recalls the snowcapped Rockies that are the city's backdrop; a series of tents evoke the region's early Native American teepees.

From a koi pond to a 24-hour movie theater to an installation of 1,200 copper raindrops, Changi Airport delights all ages. The eco-friendly Terminal 3 has a natural skylight and gardens with more than 200 species of foliage.

Heathrow's Terminal 2—"The Queen's Terminal"—was designed to be decidedly British. The undulating roof and its flexible covering enhances the day's natural light and reflects artificial light at night.

The modular design of Queen Alia draws from traditional Islamic motifs and resembles the vein of a leaf; domes branch out from the supporting columns to flood the concourse with natural sunlight. It also lends itself easily to future expansion.

A homage to the Great Lakes, this airport's roof recalls a crashing wave, its reddish exterior is similar to the color of the ore carried on the Lakes' freighters. Inside, the terrazzo floors depict the cracking of ice and glass is etched with native birch tree motifs.

With its geometric patterns and nod to Mother Nature, Kuala Lumpur's main air hub fits into the countryside with perfect symmetry. Its shading roof resembles trees in a Malaysian rainforest with narrow skylights in between.

Whether they reflect the natural beauty of the region, the culture and tradition of their country or sport a sleek, futuristic approach, the world's most beautifully designed airports are more than just pretty façades—they're full of thoughtful amenities and eco-friendly features that offer natural cooling properties, natural light and even power generation. Next time you're fortunate enough to visit one of these airports, take a look around and discover the elemental touches that make these terminals works of art unto themselves.